Robbery victim flips script on suspect, pulls out his own gun in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia police are investigating a Thursday night robbery that ended in gunshots. Those shots, though, didn't come from the robber. They came from the victim as he fired at the suspect.

"He did express how fearful he was at the time this happened," said Captain John Craig, Commanding Officer at Northwest Detectives Division of the Philadelphia Police Department.

It all unfolded around 11:30 p.m. in the 5700 block of North Front Street in Olney. Police say the victim was walking when he noticed someone following him. The victim says the robber pulled out a gun and forced him to sit on the steps in front of a home, where the suspect took his wallet, but it didn't end there.

"The offender took the money and then slapped the complainant on the back and told him to run," said Craig.

That's when the victim, fearing for his life, pulled out his own weapon.

"He drew his legally-owned firearm and fired at the offender," said Craig.

The victim fired several shots at the suspect. One of the bullets hit a nearby car.

"He emptied his magazine," said Craig.

The suspect only got $23 as he ran away. Police do not think he was hit by any of the bullets. Investigators checked area hospitals to look for any shooting victims who may have come to a hospital.

Residents are relieved that the victim was not injured as he fought back.

"It's sad that it had to come to that, that he had to take his gun out to defend himself," said Aurora Pomales, who lives near the area where the robbery happened.

Police are now on the hunt for the suspect. They obtained surveillance video that shows an image of the man, who was wearing a distinct bright orange hoodie.

Police say the man is about 5'7". He was also wearing blue jeans, grey sneakers and a black mask.

Detectives are still canvassing the area for video and information. You can submit an anonymous tip by calling Northwest Detectives at 215-686-3353 or the Philadelphia Police Department Tipline at 215-686-TIPS.